Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3949ETE+
- Part No.:
- MAX3949ETE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Laser Drivers
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3949ETE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LASER DRV 11.3GB 3.63V 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:859
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Product details
Overview
The MAX3949ETE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 3.3V, 11.3Gbps AC-coupled laser diode driver IC optimized for SFP+ optical transceivers. It delivers up to 85mA modulation current into a 5Ω differential load with 22ps edge speed (20%–80%), supports programmable bias current up to 105mA, and integrates on-chip input termination, output deemphasis, and eye safety fault monitoring. It drives unmatched TOSAs in 10GBASE-LR/LRM and OC192-SR systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3949ETE+ datasheet, MAX3949ETE+ pinout, MAX3949ETE+ application, or MAX3949ETE+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world timing and current specifications, validated package and pin mapping, confirmed safety features per SFF-8431/SFF-8472, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative laser drivers for SFP+ optical module design.
Technical Context
The MAX3949ETE+ implements a high-bandwidth differential signal path with integrated 25Ω back-termination resistors on TOUT+ and TOUT−, enabling direct drive of 5Ω–10Ω TOSAs without external matching. Its input stage includes programmable equalization (SET_TXEQ[1:0] = 00b to 11b, +0dB to +5.5dB boost at 5.16GHz) to compensate for host connector losses in SFP+ cages.
It uses a 3-wire digital interface (SDA/SCL/CSEL) with VSEL-based 4-level address selection to configure bias/modulation DACs, input polarity, and deemphasis-eliminating external components while supporting multi-device bus operation. Fault detection covers BIAS voltage, TOUT+/TOUT− compliance, and VCCT undervoltage, with latched FAULT output cleared only by toggling DISABLE.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | Up to 11.3Gbps - supports full SFF-8431-compliant 10.3125Gbps and 11.3Gbps PRBS patterns with <13ps deterministic jitter. |
| Modulation Current | 10–85mAP-P into 5Ω load - digitally programmable via 9-bit SET_IMOD DAC with 247µA LSB resolution. |
| Bias Current | 5–105mA - 9-bit SET_IBIAS DAC with 200µA LSB; BIAS pin compliance voltage 0.9–2.1V ensures stable laser turn-on. |
| Edge Speed | 22ps (20%–80%) - enables clean 10G/11G optical eye opening with minimal intersymbol interference. |
| Input Equalization | 0–5.5dB programmable boost at 5.16GHz - compensates FR4 trace and SFP+ connector loss without external EQ circuitry. |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 48°C/W (4-layer board) - enables reliable operation at +95°C ambient in compact SFP+ modules. |
| Supply Voltage | VCC/VCCT = 2.95–3.63V - supports industrial-grade 3.3V rail with ±5% tolerance and built-in POR threshold at 2.75V. |
Pinout & Package
MAX3949ETE+ is housed in a 3mm × 3mm, 16-pin TQFN package (exposed pad grounded) with 0.4mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, and rated for –40°C to +95°C operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, DISABLE | CMOS disable control input | Internally pulled up to VCC (7.5kΩ); logic-high disables both bias and modulation currents within 3µs. |
| 2, VSEL | 4-level analog address select | Connect to GND/VCC/⅓VCC/⅔VCC to set ADDR[6:5] = 00b/11b/01b/10b - enables up to four devices on one 3-wire bus. |
| 3, FAULT | Open-drain fault indicator | Latched high on hard faults (e.g., BIAS < 0.35V, TOUT+ < VCCT–1.88V); cleared only by toggling DISABLE. |
| 4, BMON | Analog bias monitor output | Sources 1/104 × IBIAS; develops ground-referenced voltage across external resistor for real-time laser current tracking. |
| 5,8, VCCT | Output-stage power supply | Separate 3.3V rail for TOUT+/TOUT− stage; must be within ±0.5V of VCC to avoid fault assertion. |
| 6, TOUT− / 7, TOUT+ | Differential modulation current outputs | Each internally pulled up to VCCT via 25Ω resistor; deliver complementary 85mAP-P into 5Ω TOSA with 22ps edge speed. |
| 9, BIAS | Laser bias current output + return path | Delivers up to 105mA DC bias; voltage compliance 0.9–2.1V ensures safe laser forward-biasing across temperature. |
| 10, CSEL / 11, SDA / 12, SCL | 3-wire serial interface | CSEL initiates command cycle; SDA bidirectional data (75kΩ internal pullup); SCL clock (75kΩ pulldown); fSCL = 400–1000kHz. |
| 13,16, VCC | Core analog/digital supply | Power for input buffer, DACs, logic, and control circuitry; ICC = 55–70mA typical at 3.3V. |
| 14, TIN+ / 15, TIN− | Differential AC-coupled data inputs | 50Ω on-chip termination to common-mode voltage; accepts 0.15–1.0VP-P signals; SDD11 ≤ –16dB up to 11.3GHz. |
| EP | Exposed thermal pad | Must be soldered to PCB ground plane - primary thermal path; reduces θJA by >30% vs. non-grounded pad. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Unmatched TOSA Drive | DC-coupled output stage supports 5Ω–10Ω laser impedances without external matching networks or bias tees. |
| Integrated Eye Safety | Dual-threshold fault monitors on BIAS, TOUT+, TOUT−, and VCCT comply with IEC 60825-1; faults are maskable and latched. |
| Programmable Deemphasis | 7-bit SET_TXDE register adjusts deemphasis from 0% to >100% to optimize optical eye at 10G/11G over fiber. |
| Low-Power Operation | 70mA total supply current at 3.3V with 40mA modulation + 60mA bias - reduces thermal load in dense SFP+ modules. |
| Digital Diagnostic Support | Fully compatible with SFF-8472 MSA; TXSTAT1/TXSTAT2 registers provide LOS, overflow, underflow, and fault status via 3-wire interface. |
Applications
| 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Transceiver | 10GBASE-LRM SFP+ Transceiver |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 10km single-mode fiber link in enterprise data center interconnects using IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-LR standard. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Laser driver providing precise 85mA modulation current and 60mA bias to DFB laser, with 22ps edge speed ensuring >1.2UI optical eye margin. Use Value: Enables full 11.3Gbps operation with deterministic jitter <8psP-P, meeting GR-468 reliability requirements for telecom-grade optics. |
Use Scenario: 220m multimode fiber link in legacy campus networks using IEEE 802.3aq 10GBASE-LRM with electronic dispersion compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AC-coupled driver with programmable input equalization (SET_TXEQ = 11b) compensating for modal dispersion-induced high-frequency loss. Use Value: Restores signal integrity at receiver with 5.5dB EQ boost, allowing compliant operation without external equalizer ICs or FPGA DSP. |
| OC192-SR SONET Transceiver | SFP+ Digital Diagnostic Module |
|
Use Scenario: Short-reach OC192 (9.953Gbps) SDH/SONET line card in metro aggregation switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-stability laser driver delivering 75mA modulation into 5Ω TOSA with <0.5% current drift over –40°C to +95°C. Use Value: Meets Telcordia GR-468 thermal stability spec; BMON output enables real-time bias current telemetry for SONET performance monitoring. |
Use Scenario: SFF-8472-compliant digital diagnostics subsystem in hot-pluggable SFP+ modules for OEM optical transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated fault monitor and TXSTAT registers provide standardized alarm/warning flags (LOS, TX_FAULT, LASER_OFF) via I²C-compatible 3-wire bus. Use Value: Eliminates need for external microcontroller or EEPROM-based diagnostic engine - reduces BOM count and firmware complexity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar laser driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3948ETE+ | Same 16-pin TQFN package and 3-wire interface, but limited to 10.3Gbps max rate and 75mA modulation current; no VSEL address selection. | Valid for 10GBASE-SR/LR but not 11.3Gbps OC192-SR or 10GBASE-LRM with full EQ headroom. | Select MAX3948ETE+ only when 10.3Gbps ceiling and absence of multi-device addressing are acceptable. |
| LMH6525SQ/NOPB | 12.5Gbps RF amplifier with 100mA output drive, but requires external bias control, no integrated DACs, no fault monitoring, and no SFF-8472 support. | Suitable for custom high-speed analog designs where full digital control and diagnostics are unnecessary. | Choose LMH6525SQ/NOPB only for non-standard optical modules requiring analog gain tuning and external safety logic. |
Compared with MAX3949ETE+, MAX3948ETE+ offers lower cost and identical footprint but sacrifices 11.3Gbps capability and flexible addressing; LMH6525SQ/NOPB delivers higher bandwidth and current but demands full custom control architecture and adds significant system-level validation effort.
Availability
MAX3949ETE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 10GBASE-LR optical transceivers, OC192-SR SONET modules, and SFP+ digital diagnostic subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability production cycles.
Supply support for MAX3949ETE+ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for communications, computing, and industrial applications.
The MAX3949ETE+ belongs to Maxim's optical interconnect product line, designed specifically for low-power, multirate SFP+/QSFP+ pluggable transceiver modules requiring integrated laser control, diagnostics, and eye safety compliance.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX3949ETE+?
The MAX3949ETE+ supports up to 11.3Gbps, fully compliant with OC192-SR SONET and 10GBASE-LRM standards. At this rate, it maintains deterministic jitter ≤13psP-P and random jitter ≤0.55psRMS with 85mA modulation into a 5Ω load - verified across –40°C to +95°C per Maxim's Electrical Characteristics table.
How does the MAX3949ETE+ handle laser safety compliance?
The MAX3949ETE+ implements hardware-enforced eye safety per IEC 60825-1 via dedicated comparators monitoring BIAS voltage (<0.35V triggers fault), TOUT+/TOUT− compliance (VCCT–1.88V threshold), and VCCT–VCC differential (<0.27V). All faults are latched on FAULT pin and stored in TXSTAT1 register - no software polling required for critical failure detection.
Can the MAX3949ETE+ drive unmatched TOSAs, and what impedance range is supported?
Yes, the MAX3949ETE+ is explicitly designed for unmatched TOSAs with its unique DC-coupled output stage. It supports laser diode impedances from 5Ω to 10Ω - confirmed in the "Detailed Description" section and validated by 25Ω internal pull-up resistors on TOUT+ and TOUT− pins, eliminating need for external matching networks or bias tees.
What is the function of the VSEL pin on the MAX3949ETE+?
The VSEL pin sets the 2-bit address bits ADDR[6:5] for the MAX3949ETE+'s 3-wire interface: GND = 00b, VCC/3 = 01b, 2VCC/3 = 10b, VCC = 11b. This allows up to four MAX3949ETE+ devices to share one SDA/SCL bus without address conflict - a key feature for multi-channel optical modules.
Does the MAX3949ETE+ include built-in input equalization, and how is it configured?
Yes, the MAX3949ETE+ includes programmable input equalization controlled by the 2-bit SET_TXEQ register (00b to 11b), delivering 0dB to +5.5dB boost at 5.16GHz to compensate for SFP+ host connector and PCB trace losses. Configuration is done via the 3-wire interface - no external components needed - and is validated in the "Input Buffer with Programmable Equalization" section.
MAX3949ETE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Laser Diode Driver
- Data Rate:
- 11.3Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.95V ~ 3.63V
- Current - Supply:
- 55 mA
- Current - Modulation:
- 85mA
- Current - Bias:
- 105 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 95°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (3x3)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3949ETE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3949ETE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3949ETE+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX3949ETE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3949ETE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3949ETE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3949ETE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3949ETE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3949ETE+?
MAX3949ETE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3949ETE+ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX3949ETE+?
For technical support, including MAX3949ETE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3949ETE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3949ETE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3949ETE+ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX3949ETE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3949ETE+?
All MAX3949ETE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3949ETE+, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX3949ETE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3949ETE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX3949ETE+ Tags

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EPC21701
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ISL78365ARZ-T7A
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